Anatomy Learning Outcomes in Occupational Therapy: Impact of Prior Coursework

Background: To address the learning needs of student Occupational Therapists with diverse academic backgrounds, educators must understand the factors that influence anatomy academic outcomes. Purpose: To compare anatomy learning outcomes of students with and without previous anatomy coursework over time and on higher- versus lower-order thinking skills. Method: An observational cohort study was conducted with entry-level occupational therapy students. Anatomy quizzes, were designed using the Blooming Anatomy Tool, were administered progressively throughout the term. Grades and thinking skills were compared between groups. Findings: At the start of term, students with anatomy coursework fared better than those without; the difference between groups was no longer present in the last four quizzes of the term. In general, students had lower grades on higher-order assessments; this did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Students without anatomy coursework achieved similar assessment outcomes as their peers; however, lower grades at the start of the term indicate that there was an adjustment period to anatomy learning.